YA Book Review: Don’t Even Think About It by Sarah Mlynowski

Don’t Even Think About It by Sarah Mlynowski

A fun, quick, compelling read by Sarah Mlynowski, author of Bras & Broomsticks. This book is about a homeroom class of high schoolers who end up developing telepathic powers from a bad batch of the flu shot. What happens when your boyfriend or the guy you have a crush on can read your mind? What if you could hear what your parents and teachers are really thinking? Well, what happens in this book is that tons of secrets and lies are exposed, and a heck of a lot of drama ensues.

I really enjoy Mylonowski’s friendly, clear writing style, and her characters are complex and relatable. The story is told from the perspective of a hive-mind of twenty-two telepathic teens, but the main thrust of the storyline follows only a handful of them. While some may find this confusing, I found it clever and funny in a snarky Gossip Girl kind of way.

My one big issue with this book was with the “perv” of the class BJ, who really creeped me out more than I think he was meant to. He was constantly objectifying the girls in his class and they often responded positively to this. And while this did feel very realistic, I still found it rather troubling. I also felt that this book could’ve included more (obviously) multicultural and gay characters. But on the whole, this book was still incredibly enjoyable–a guilty-pleasure kind of read, perfect for spring break, summer vacation, or, who am I kidding, any time you want to read a juicy gossip/catty argument/make-out scene kind of book.

Disclaimer: Review of ARC received free through NetGalley.

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YA Book Review: Moon at Nine by Deborah Ellis

Moon at Nine by Deborah Ellis Publication date: April 1, 2014

Moon at Nine is a poignant and powerful story about a bookish, strong-willed fifteen year old girl named Farrin who falls in love with Sadira, a new girl at school who understands Farrin better than her distant peers at school or her self-involved parents. Unfortunately, they are living in 1988 Iran where being gay is against the law and punishable by death.

Farrin and Sadira’s budding romance is sweet and lovely, and their situation absolutely heart-rending, made even more so by the fact that this novel was based on a true story as related to the author. At times, however, I found myself distracted from narrative because of inconsistencies in the quality of the writing. For example, Farrin often feels younger than her age, and the dialogue at times feels very inorganic. There are also a few instances of awkward fact-insertions that are quite jarring and could’ve been more artfully woven into the text.

Nevertheless, Moon at Nine is intensely moving. I found myself rooting for Farrin and Sadira, and I tore my way through this book just trying to find out how things would unfold.

Disclaimer: Review of electronic ARC received free from publisher via NetGalley

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YA Book Recommendation: The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski

The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Read it slowly, and savor every last drop. Yes, it’s as good as everyone else says. No, they aren’t overselling it.

(Fantasy/romance inspired by Ancient Greco-Roman history, so if none of those things intrigue you, perhaps this isn’t for you, but wow was it good. And I loved the cover!)

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